To inspire creativity and innovation, we want to work with students from diverse backgrounds. To achieve this, we offer a range of scholarships that recognise excellence and assist with the costs associated with higher education. Education is a worthwhile investment in your future, and there are a variety of options to help you reach your study goal.
A variety of financial support options, which you may be able to access include AFTRS Scholarships, AFTRS Special Finance Assistance and Government support: FEE-HELP, Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy.
Questions? Contact AFTRS Student Centre on 1300 223 877 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au.
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, you will need to complete the online scholarship application form and provide any documentation requested by the closing date.
After submitting your award course application, you will be taken to your home page in the AFTRS application portal, where you will be presented with a list of scholarships available for your chosen course. You will need to complete the application form from there.
Ensure you meet and address all the criteria in your application. It is important that you answer all questions and provide any requested supporting documentation.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit a course applications before you can apply for a scholarship.
You can apply for multiple scholarships, as long as you meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
ELIGIBILITY BY PROGRAM
Scholarships available for each course are –
Master of Arts Screen
- Alumni and Industry Scholarship
- Craft Excellence Scholarship
- Equity Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
- First Nations Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
- ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship
- CRA Regional Radio Scholarship
- Equity Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
- First Nations Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
- Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship
- Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship
- Pariya Taherzadeh Radio & Podcasting Scholarship
Master of Arts Screen: Business
- Equity Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
- First Nations Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
- Constellation Creatives Scholarship
- Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship
- Equity Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
- First Nations Scholarships, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust
- Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship
- The HOYTS Group First Nations Scholarship
- Women in Cinematography Scholarship sponsored by Sony
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| When do scholarships open/close?
Applications for Round 1, 2025, open 19th June, 2024 and close on the following dates:
*excludes Women in Cinematography Scholarship sponsored by Sony which opens on 4 November 2024 and closes on 2 December 2024 We recommend you don’t wait until the last minute or try and rush through an application. Give yourself plenty of time to search for scholarships you may be eligible for and plan ahead to allow enough time to prepare your application and supporting documentation. |
| Which scholarships am I eligible for?
Some scholarships are based on certain criteria such as cultural background, your chosen course of study, disability, financial situation or where you live. The eligibility requirements are outlined in the guidelines for each scholarship. Read the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you are suitable to apply for the scholarship. If you are unsure, you can discuss this with the Student Centre. |
| Are New Zealand citizens eligible to apply for scholarships?
Yes. New Zealand citizens are eligible to apply for all AFTRS scholarships so long as they meet all other eligibility requirements. |
| How do I apply for a scholarship?
Complete the online scholarship application form and provide any documentation requested by the closing date. Ensure you meet and address all the criteria in your application. It is important that you answer all questions and provide any requested supporting documentation. |
| How many scholarships can I apply for?
We encourage you to apply for multiple scholarships, provided you meet the Scholarship(s) eligibility criteria. |
| How much is a scholarship worth?
The value of each scholarship can be found in the scholarship guidelines. |
| Can scholarships be deferred?
Recipients cannot defer the commencement of a scholarship. If you are deferring your course, you would need to re-apply for a scholarship in the following year. |
| Are there any conditions associated with scholarships?
Conditions of scholarships vary; however, they are outlined in the scholarship guidelines and any additional conditions will be clearly outlined in the email sent to successful applicants. |
| How/When will I find out the outcome of my scholarship application?
You will be notified by email within six weeks of applications closing. |
| Can I get feedback on my scholarship application?
Due to the large volume of scholarship applications, we cannot provide individual feedback to applicants regarding their scholarship application. AFTRS’ decision is final and correspondence about decisions will not be entered into. |
| Can I re-apply for future scholarships?
If you are unsuccessful for 2025, you may re-apply for scholarships in the future. You would then need to meet all scholarship eligibility criteria at that time. A new scholarship application, with new supporting documents, would need to be submitted. |
| Is there another round of scholarships later in the year?
Most scholarships are awarded annually. However, there is a second round of applications for the following scholarships:
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| How do I demonstrate financial need?
Some ways of demonstrating financial need include:
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| How do I demonstrate proof of residency in an interstate and/or regional or remote area?
You may choose to submit a driver’s licence, utility or phone bill, bank statement, insurance policy or proof of enrolment at a secondary school. The document/s you provide must show your full First and Surname and residential address. |
| Are AFTRS students eligible for any external scholarships?
AFTRS students are often eligible to apply for scholarships offered by external organisations. |
SCHOLARSHIPS
Alumni and Industry Scholarship
Course: Master of Arts Screen
AFTRS is committed to ensuring that its world leading education is available to all Australians. We’ve found that the main obstacle to taking up study is the financial burden of tuition, relocation expenses and Sydney’s ever-rising cost of living.
AFTRS has established the Alumni and Industry Scholarship Fund to expand and enrich the School’s student community. Funds raised will contribute to the Alumni and Industry Scholarship in 2025.
The Alumni and Industry Scholarship is intended to support and develop the career of a gifted storyteller who may not be able to afford to study in Sydney, with a particular focus on under-represented groups in the Australian screen industry. This includes but is not limited to individuals from refugee backgrounds or from culturally and racially marginalised communities, individuals who are gender diverse, people living with a disability and people from low socio economic backgrounds.
The scholarship is valued at $25,000.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship
Course: Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Made available by the Australian Radio Network (ARN), the ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship will be awarded to support and develop the career of an individual from a culturally and / or linguistically diverse and / or under-represented group in the Australian radio and podcast industries, which could include but are not limited to considerations of age, cultural and religious diversity, disability, LGBTIQ+ and intersectional ways a person’s identity may expose them to underrepresentation. The scholarship is also open to First Nations applicants.
One $15,000 scholarship will be offered, along with a paid one day per week internship for one semester and 12 month employment contract with an ARN station and / or podcasting division, to a Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting student after consideration by the selection committee.
Full time and part time applicants are eligible to apply.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
Constellation Creatives Scholarship
Course: Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
Constellation Creatives aims to become a leading voice in the cultural conversation by providing opportunities for under-represented storytellers to develop their careers through study.
The purpose of this scholarship is to support and develop the career of an individual from Asian descent in the Australian screen industry. The successful applicant will be selected on the basis of creative excellence and the impact that the scholarship would have on their education.
One scholarship is offered, providing financial support for living expenses, educational resources or other related costs. The scholarship is valued at a minimum of $15,000. An additional, one-off payment of $5,000 is available to the Recipient in Year 3 of the Course if they choose Industry Placement elective and are selected for an internship. This elective provides the Recipient with invaluable on-the-job experience and networking opportunities in the screen industry.
NOTE: People from ‘Asian backgrounds’ refers to people who identify their ancestry/ ethnicity as Asian, encompassing South-East, North-East, Southern and Central Asian ancestries.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
CRA Regional Radio Scholarship
Course: Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
The CRA Regional Radio Scholarship provides $10,000 to enable a student to study the AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting. The scholarship is intended to support students who reside in regional Australia and are passionate about working for a radio station where they live, by providing a contribution to living expenses and study costs.
The CRA Regional Radio Scholarship includes a 4-week industry internship. One scholarship will be offered in 2025 to a Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting full-time or part-time student after consideration by the selection committee.
Full time and part time applicants are eligible to apply.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
Craft Excellence Scholarship
Course: Master of Arts Screen
The AFTRS Craft Excellence Scholarship is intended to support a student who can demonstrate excellence in an identified craft area in the Master of Arts Screen. In 2025, AFTRS is focusing on supporting female-identifying applicants from the craft disciplines of cinematography, sound, editing and documentary. This is part of AFTRS’ ongoing commitment to ensure AFTRS graduates reflect all Australian society. Inclusivity is embedded across all the School’s activities, with a focus on supporting the best talent, from all backgrounds, into careers in the industry.
The scholarship covers the full first-year fee tuition (valued at $30,000). It offers a 50% tuition fee reduction for the minimum standard full-time duration of the Masters of Arts Screen degree.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
DYLAN ALCOTT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Course: Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
The Dylan Alcott Foundation (DAF) in partnership with AFTRS are committed to helping young Australians living with a disability or long term illness overcome the barriers to education and fulfil their creative dreams and goals.
The successful applicant will be selected on the basis of creative excellence and the impact that the scholarship would have on their education.
One scholarship is offered, covering the full tuition fee for the standard three-year Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production course (Valued at $50,544 in 2025).
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
EQUITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Courses: Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Master of Arts Screen, Master of Arts Screen: Business and Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting.
AFTRS Equity Scholarships supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust, are awarded twice a year to assist students experiencing exceptional, real and enduring financial need with the costs associated with higher education.
AFTRS Equity Scholarship funds are provided by The Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust and the AFTRS Executive Fund.
The scholarships are intended to support people from low socio-economic backgrounds or who are otherwise underrepresented in higher education to study at AFTRS.
Full-time and part-time applicants and students are eligible to apply.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
FIRST NATIONS SCHOLARSHIPS
Courses: Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Master of Arts Screen, Master of Arts Screen: Business or Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting.
AFTRS First Nations Scholarships, generously supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust, are awarded based on creative excellence or equity. The scholarships are intended to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the costs associated with higher education at AFTRS.
AFTRS’ fund for the scholarships is managed through the First Nations and Outreach team and overseen by the CEO. AFTRS may give support for a range of purposes associated with a course. For example, AFTRS may contribute towards relocation costs, study resources and other costs, at AFTRS’ discretion. The amount of support may vary depending on the course and a student’s individual circumstances.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship
Course: Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
The Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship is in honour of the renowned radio journalist and podcast professional Glenn Daniel. Glenn Daniel was an admired member of the Australian Radio and Podcast industry. This scholarship will be awarded each year to help develop Australian radio, news and journalist talent, with a focus on supporting the next generation of storytellers. The scholarship is intended to support students by providing contribution to a living allowance or towards relocation costs, study resources and other costs.
One annual scholarship of $10,000 will be offered in 2025 to a Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting student.
Full-time and part-time applicants are eligible to apply.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship
Course: Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
The Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship is in honour of Glenn Wheatley. A trailblazer in the music industry, his 40-year-long career has had an enormous impact on the Australian music and radio landscape. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship providing financial support for new talent who aspire to work in the dynamic Radio & Podcast industry.
The AFTRS/Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship for the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting is awarded to support and develop the career of the recipient, providing one student with a maximum $10,000 scholarship and a week-long work placement at Sunshine Coast broadcasters MixFM and SeaFM including airfares and accommodation.
Full-time and part-time applicants are eligible to apply.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
ONBASS GIANT STEPS SCHOLARSHIP
Course: Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
The Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship has been established by Gentle Giant Media Group and the Onbass Fund for students who show creative excellence and who also require financial assistance to study at AFTRS. The scholarship is valued at $22,500 for each recipient (paid in instalments of $7,500 each year for three years) and will be awarded to a student commencing the Bachelor of Arts: Screen Production.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
Pariya Taherzadeh Radio & Podcasting Scholarship
Course: Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Made available by AFTRS alum Pariya Taherzadeh, this scholarship will be awarded to support and develop the career of an outstanding Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting student, selected on the basis of creative excellence from eligible students experiencing barriers to accessing tertiary education.
AFTRS encourages applicants who are often under-represented in tertiary education including but not limited to individuals from refugee backgrounds or from culturally and racially marginalised communities, individuals who are gender diverse or living with a disability and individuals from low socio economic backgrounds.
A $20,000 scholarship for one student, or two $10,000 scholarships for two students will be offered, along with an optional unpaid internship at talent@pariya throughout the study year.
Full-time and part-time applicants are eligible to apply.
Scholarship applications are separate from course applications. You will need to submit applications for both.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
The HOYTS Group First Nations Scholarship
Course: Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
The HOYTS Group in partnership with AFTRS are committed to assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples overcome the barriers to education and fulfil their creative dreams and goals.
The purpose of this scholarship is to expand and enrich the school’s student community through recognising an individual’s capacity and skills as well as the connection that First Nations people bring to storytelling.
The successful applicant will be selected on the basis of creative excellence and the impact that the scholarship would have on their education.
One scholarship is offered, covering the full tuition fee for the standard three-year Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production course (currently valued at $50,544) plus a $2,000 travel bursary for the Recipient and their family to cover the cost of travel to Sydney to attend the First Nations Graduation and Graduation.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
Women in Cinematography Scholarship sponsored by Sony
Course: Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production (Year 3)
This scholarship is for women and gender-diverse students in Year 3 of the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production to nominate as cinematographers in an assessable role for POC and Graduation Production, having completed the Cinematography elective. To qualify, students must be successfully enrolled in the Year 3 Cinematography elective in 2025. The scholarship will be awarded based on creative excellence.
You will need to submit a scholarship application to apply.
Refer to the Scholarship Guidelines for more information.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Special financial assistance
AFTRS provides limited financial assistance for students experiencing severe or sudden financial hardship that may affect their ability to take up the offer of a place in a course of study or continue in a course of study.
Refer to the application for Financial Assistance Form.
Government support
For detailed information on the following allowances see the Centrelink website.
Austudy, Abstudy and Youth Allowance
Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production and other full-time students enrolled at AFTRS may be eligible for government income support including Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance.
Youth Allowance and Austudy
If you are aged between 16-to-24 you may be eligible for support through Youth Allowance. If you are aged 25 and over, you may be eligible for support through Austudy. To be eligible for Youth Allowance or Austudy you must be:
- An Australian resident, and
- Enrolled in a full-time award course, and
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or appropriate postgraduate course (up to Graduate Diploma level).
Abstudy
If you are an Indigenous student and aged over 14 you may be eligible for Abstudy if you are:
- An Australian citizen, and
- Enrolled in a part-time or full-time award course, and
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate course (up to Doctorate level).
Your eligibility will also depend on your and/or your partner’s or parents’ income and assets.
Please note: The Master of Arts Screen course is not an approved course for students to receive Austudy, Youth Allowance (student) and Pensioner Education Supplement through Centrelink.
FEE-HELP
For information about FEE-HELP, go to Student Fees.
DISCLAIMER ** Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.